EP3757688A1 - Method for configuring an industrial machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for configuring at least one industrial machine, the machine comprising several separate devices, for example field devices, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and / or field buses, with the aid of an electronic configuration system
- A predefined configuration template is provided, with at least two separate devices of the machine being assigned to the configuration template,
- the configuration template is used to configure at least one function of the industrial machine,
- a parameter set with device parameters for the two separate devices is generated from the configured function, the configuration template comprising a device parameter set of rules, the device parameters being defined by means of the device parameter set of rules,
- The parameter set is transferred to the two separate devices in order to configure the devices.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for configuring at least one industrial machine, the machine comprising several separate devices, for example field devices, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and / or field buses.

In today's production processes, industrial machines are used, which can be formed from a large number of separate devices. In particular, actuators (e.g. servo drives), sensors (e.g. temperature sensors or sensors for detecting the surroundings), computing devices, data buses and the like can be used as devices.

In order to correctly implement the function of the industrial machine, all devices of the machine must be configured appropriately. The challenge here is that with the increasing networking of controls, sensors and actuators, the configuration of the devices becomes more and more complex, as more and more dependencies arise between the individual devices and thus between the configurations.

In order to limit the complexity, it is known to configure the devices of the machine individually. However, this can lead to confusing conflicts with parameters that are often difficult to resolve. Also, dependencies between different devices are often not easily recognized, which can lead to further sources of error.

It is therefore the object on which the invention is based to specify a method which allows a simplified and thus less error-prone configuration of an industrial machine.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method according to claim 1.

• eine vordefinierte Konfigurationsvorlage bereitgestellt wird, wobei der Konfigurationsvorlage zumindest zwei separate Geräte der Maschine zugeordnet werden,
• die Konfigurationsvorlage verwendet wird, um zumindest eine Funktion der industriellen Maschine zu konfigurieren,
• aus der konfigurierten Funktion jeweils ein Parametersatz mit Geräteparametern für die zwei separaten Geräte erzeugt wird, wobei die Konfigurationsvorlage ein Geräteparameter-Regelwerk umfasst, wobei mittels des Geräteparameter-Regelwerks die Geräteparameter festgelegt werden,
• der Parametersatz an die zwei separaten Geräte übertragen wird, um die Geräte zu konfigurieren.

In the method according to the invention, an electronic configuration system is used, whereby by means of the electronic configuration system

• a predefined configuration template is provided, at least two separate devices of the machine being assigned to the configuration template,
• the configuration template is used to configure at least one function of the industrial machine,
• a parameter set with device parameters for the two separate devices is generated from the configured function, the configuration template comprising a device parameter set of rules, the device parameters being defined by means of the device parameter set of rules,
• the parameter set is transferred to the two separate devices in order to configure the devices.

The invention is based on the idea that the predefined configuration template makes it possible not to configure individual devices of the machine, but rather to define or configure functions of the entire industrial machine. A function can require the interaction of several devices. A user can therefore specify which functions the machine should perform. From the function configured in this way, a parameter set with device parameters can then be generated, in particular automatically, which in turn is transmitted to the devices in order to configure the devices. Dependencies between individual devices can already be stored in the configuration template so that these dependencies are (automatically) taken into account when generating the parameter sets from the configured function.

An advantage according to the invention is that a once developed or finished configuration template (with the associated device parameter set of rules) can be used in many similar projects, whereby the effort for the correct configuration of the machines of the respective projects can be significantly reduced. The effort involved in creating the configuration template once is saved in many ways.

The configuration of the machine is thus made much easier for a user, since the user can specify the desired function of the machine, whereupon correspondingly adapted parameter sets are then generated. The function of the machine means a "high-level" function, which requires the interaction of several devices of the machine. So it does not have to e.g. For each servo drive, the speed or braking behavior at which the servo drive is to be operated can be specified. This can be derived from the configuration of the function of the machine. If, for example, the transport of objects on a conveyor belt with a predefined throughput is desired as a function, the servo drives driving the conveyor belt can be automatically configured accordingly.

The parameter set can be generated, for example, by means of a device parameter set of rules. For this purpose, at least one configuration template can include such a device parameter set of rules, the device parameters being defined by means of the device parameter set of rules. The device parameters are generated by the device parameter set of rules from inputs in the configuration template. The device parameter set of rules preferably changes the entries (e.g. by the user) in the configuration template, whereby the device parameters are generated by the change. This means that the device parameter set of rules is non-trivial and does not just map the inputs to the device parameters in an unchanged manner.

The device parameter set of rules can include, for example, predefined mathematical functions, decision trees, Boolean / logic functions and the like. In particular, the device parameter set of rules can generate a large number of device parameters, the number of device parameters being significantly greater (e.g. two or five times) than the number of values that can be set in the configuration template.

Different configuration templates can be provided for different machines or parts of the machine. Before deploying, the different configuration templates must be developed or adapted according to their intended use. For example, a configuration template can be provided that relates to a data network in the form of a field bus. All devices of the machine connected to the fieldbus can then be assigned to this configuration template. In the configuration template, the user can then, for example, set the desired transmission speed, i.e. configure. A parameter set is then generated from the desired transmission speed for all devices connected to the fieldbus, which contains the corresponding transmission speed. If required, the parameter set can also contain the network addresses of the individual devices. The integration of the network addresses in the parameter set can be carried out automatically by the configuration template, so that the complexity for the user is again reduced here.

It is also possible, for example, to provide a configuration template for a stationary machine, the machine being dangerous during operation, so that the machine must be monitored on two sides, each of which is closed monitoring side is monitored by means of two scanners. In this case, a configuration template can be provided for monitoring, with the two scanners on one side and a PLC of the stationary machine being assigned to this configuration template. In the configuration template, for example, the radius can be specified as a function within which an intrusion of a person leads to the machine being switched off. From this configuration of the function, the configuration template can then (automatically) assign various suitable protective fields to the respective scanners, and set the communication between the PLC and the scanners appropriately. A corresponding parameter set is then transmitted to both the scanner and the PLC, so that the complexity is also significantly reduced for a user.

Devices are assigned to a configuration template and the configuration template preferably includes configuration template parameters (e.g. the aforementioned radius of monitoring by the scanner) which have specific values.

The separate devices of the machine can be functionally different devices that are arranged, for example, in separate housings. The devices prefer to work together to fulfill the function of the industrial machine. In particular, a PLC can control and / or evaluate various field devices (actuators or sensors) in order to ensure the functioning of the machine.

At least two of the devices, or all of the devices, can be of different types. Different types of devices can be, for example, different models of drive controls, sensors, actuators, programmable logic controllers and the like. For example, two different types of sensors can be assigned to the configuration template, for example a light grid and a laser scanner. It is also possible to assign a PLC and a sensor to the configuration template. As a function for the interaction between the PLC and the sensor, the monitoring of a danger area, for example, can then be configured using the configuration template.

The function that is configured by means of the configuration template preferably does not exclusively include data communication between the devices. In particular, with the function, e.g. only mechanical processes can be configured, for example the transport and / or processing of workpieces.

The parameter set and the device parameters are not a sequence program, but rather the parameters that enable the execution of a sequence program by the respective device or influence its execution. The device parameters can accordingly e.g. include a maximum speed, a maximum acceleration, an expected data format, a device ID and / or a measured variable to be output. The totality of the device parameters (also for several devices) can then be referred to as a parameter set, with only the device parameters relevant for the respective device being able to be transmitted when the parameter set is transmitted to the devices.

The configuration template can include executable code that is executed by the configuration system. It is also possible for the configuration template to be defined by an image file which is loaded into a program executed on the configuration system.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the description, the drawings and the subclaims.

According to a first embodiment, several further predefined configuration templates are provided. The further configuration templates are used in particular to configure at least one further function of the industrial machine in each case, a further set of parameters being generated from the configured further function.

At least one device, at least two devices or a large number of devices can each be assigned to the further configuration templates. In particular, the same device can also be assigned to two or more configuration templates. In this case, a part of the device parameters of the device can then be generated by a respective configuration template. It is also possible that the further configuration template is assigned to an already existing configuration template. In this way, the configuration templates can be nested, as will be explained in more detail later.

A further parameter set with device parameters can also be generated from the further configuration templates, the further parameter set then being transmitted to the respective device to be configured in order to configure this device.

All functions and devices of the machine can be configured in this way using several configuration templates. In the case of a machine, for example, a configuration template can be used to configure the fieldbus, another configuration template to protect the environment and another configuration template to carry out the main function of the industrial machine (e.g. workpiece processing).

The configuration system preferably shows which of the configuration templates is currently being processed. Changes are therefore clearly traceable.

According to a further embodiment, a device parameter of a parameter set is only changed by means of exactly one configuration template. A device parameter is in particular a value that can be set in a device of the machine, for example a maximum speed of a servo motor. The fact that a device parameter can only be changed permanently using exactly one configuration template results in a significant reduction in complexity, since it is not possible to inadvertently change a device parameter using another configuration template. In other words, each device parameter is assigned to exactly one configuration template.

Accordingly, the configuration template can include a responsibility rule that defines the responsibility of a configuration template for the device parameters of a parameter set.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the configuration templates comprises an assignment rule which specifies which devices may or must be assigned to the configuration template. The assignment rule can therefore specify a device type combination. This means that, for example, two devices of the sensor type, three devices of the actuator type and one device of the computing device type (e.g. PLC) must be assigned to the configuration template. As a further example, a Profinet configuration template can require that only devices that are Profinet network-compatible are assigned to it.

The assignment rule and the responsibility rule can also depend on the specifications in the configuration template. If, for example, the user specified in the configuration template that at least SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level) is required, then only devices that meet at least SIL 2 may be assigned to the configuration template.

The configuration template can also indicate that it can optionally be assigned predetermined devices or that a device of a precisely predetermined type (e.g. a specific servo drive or a specific proximity sensor) must be assigned. The assignment rule can also include the respective number of device types.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the configured function (or all configured functions) relates exclusively or at least to a function of the functional safety of the industrial machine. The configured function can thus relate to functions that e.g. provide at least SIL 2 according to EN IEC 62061. In general, the configured function can relate to functional safety according to IEC 61508 and meet the corresponding requirements.

According to a further embodiment, the device parameters are generated exclusively on the basis of data entered into the configuration template, the device parameter set of rules being applied to the data entered into the configuration template. In particular, the device parameters are not generated based on other device parameters. The data entered in the configuration template can e.g. manually entered into a user interface (GUI). Alternatively, the entered data can also e.g. be transferred to the configuration template using a file.

For example, a device parameter "restart interlock" can be set to 5 seconds if a user has specified "high" as the "availability" of the machine in the configuration template. If the availability should be "normal", the device parameter "restart interlock" can be set to 30 seconds. As another example, the device parameter "permitted transmission packet failures" can be set "high" to 4 when available and "normal" when available be set to 2. Such an assignment of the device parameters can be made, for example, using the decision tree mentioned.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the configuration templates only creates a partial set of parameters for a device assigned to it. This means that only part of a device can be assigned to the configuration template and therefore not all device parameters of a device are generated by a single configuration template. Another part of the device can then be assigned to a different configuration template, whereby a device can thus be assigned to several configuration templates. For example, terminals 1 to 20 of a programmable logic controller can be assigned a first configuration template and terminals 21 to 40 can be assigned to a second configuration template. The device parameters responsible for the respective terminals are then only generated by the responsible configuration template.

According to a further embodiment, a further configuration template is assigned to the configuration template instead of or in addition to an assigned device. In this way, nested configuration templates can be created. This offers the advantage, for example, that dependencies between device parameters can be automatically adapted in a simple manner, in particular within a configuration template or also across multiple nested configuration templates. The assignment of configuration templates to one another is based, in particular only, on interfaces ("interfaces"). The assignment of the configuration templates to one another is accordingly not based on the device types of the devices recorded in the machine. In a respective configuration template it can be stored which interfaces the respective configuration template fulfills and which other interfaces can or must be assigned to it by other configuration templates. According to a further embodiment, a validity check of at least one of the configuration templates is carried out, in which this configuration template is regarded as valid when all the requirements of further configuration templates are met. In this case, it can be checked, for example, whether all the devices or further configuration templates required by the configuration template have been assigned and / or whether the assigned configuration templates have been verified (see below).

According to one embodiment, the parameter set with device parameters is transmitted to the devices by means of a network connection or by means of USB (Universal Serial Bus). This applies accordingly to the other parameter sets. The network connection can be a fieldbus connection, for example. Profinet, EtherCAT, Sercos I to III and the like in particular can be used as field buses.

It is also possible to read out the current parameter set from one or more devices via the network connection and to convert it into an actual state, which is then displayed in the configuration template. This means that e.g. the device parameters themselves are not displayed in the configuration template. Instead, e.g. the actual functional status can be represented in the configuration template by reversing the application of the device parameter set of rules.

According to a further embodiment, all parameters of the devices of the machine are specified by means of the configuration template or the configuration templates. All parameters are to be understood as the definition of all parameters that are sensible to be set. This means that no further setup or parameterization of individual devices is necessary. This minimizes the risk of dependencies or conflicts arising from additional external parameterization or configuration.

According to one embodiment, the configuration template is displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI includes input fields or graphic input elements in order to configure the at least one function of the industrial machine. For example, drop-down elements, slide controls and the like can be used as graphic input elements. It is also possible for the configuration template to include a visualization of the device association, for example by displaying associated devices adjacent to or within the configuration template.

If, for example, a machine is to be configured in the form of a driverless transport vehicle (AGV - Automated Guided Vehicle), an AGV configuration template can be provided. The AGV configuration template can require that it be assigned a Profinet configuration template (for internal data communication in the AGV), two servomotor configuration templates (for the drive) and a laser scanner configuration template (for obstacle detection). Using the laser scanner configuration template, a user can then set how large, for example, the area to be monitored in front of and next to the vehicle should be. From this the laser scanner configuration template then determines the parameter set for the laser scanner present in the AGV. The laser scanner is then configured with this parameter set. In a corresponding manner, the motor configuration templates can be used e.g. the desired maximum speed or a maximum acceleration can be set. The AGV configuration template can finally configure a PLC and, for example, load sensors and other devices of the AGV.

After the machine functions have been configured in the configuration templates and the corresponding parameter sets have been created, a verification of the generated parameter sets take place, e.g. by means of a consistency check. For example, you can check whether data rates or network addresses set for different devices are consistent. In particular, a cross-device configuration template (ie a configuration template to which at least two devices are assigned) can then be viewed as verified when the configurations of the assigned devices are verified. Alternatively or additionally, a device can then be viewed as verified if all configuration templates to which the device is assigned are verified or if all device parameters of the device are verified.

The configurations of the assigned devices can be considered verified if the device parameters of the respective device are correct. This can be verified by transforming the data entered into the configuration template into the device parameters by the device parameter set of rules. An inverse reverse transformation can then take place in which the data entered in the configuration template are generated again from the device parameters. If the data generated again match the data actually entered, the device parameters are correct.

Before the reverse transformation, the generated device parameters can optionally be transferred to the respective device and then read out by the device. The reverse transformation can then take place on the basis of the device parameters read from the device. In this way e.g. Bit errors are detected during transmission or storage in the device.

It is also possible to use the device parameters to generate a check value (for example a checksum, hash value or the like) for an individual device. The verification value can also be transmitted to the device so that the device itself then checks the received device parameters can. There is then no need to read the device parameters from the device.

According to a further embodiment, the writing rights for a configuration template, i. the rights to configure a function of the machine using a configuration template can only be released for an individual user or a predetermined group of users. This prevents conflicts or inconsistencies between entries made by individual users. A restriction to a single user or a predetermined group of users can also be provided for reading out or modifying configuration templates.

According to a further embodiment, a checksum for at least some of the parameters generated using the configuration template can be output for at least one of the configuration templates. The checksum makes it easier to identify changes.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the configuration templates can be used to configure a network, to configure a processing machine, to configure an AGV, to configure a laser scanner or to configure a light curtain. In particular, the configuration templates can configure safety devices that preferably meet at least SIL 2.

It goes without saying that statements contained herein that relate to “at least one of the configuration templates” also apply to all configuration templates.

• eine vordefinierte Konfigurationsvorlage bereitzustellen, wobei der Konfigurationsvorlage zumindest zwei separate Geräte der Maschine zuordenbar sind, wobei die Konfigurationsvorlage ausgebildet ist, um zumindest eine Funktion der industriellen Maschine zu konfigurieren,
• aus der konfigurierten Funktion jeweils einen Parametersatz mit Geräteparametern für die zwei separaten Geräte zu erzeugen, wobei die Geräteparameter mittels eines Geräteparameter-Regelwerks festgelegt werden,
• den Parametersatz an die zwei separaten Geräte zu übertragen, um die Geräte zu konfigurieren.

The invention also relates to an electronic configuration system for configuring at least one industrial machine, the machine having several separate devices, for example field devices, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and / or field buses, the configuration system being designed,

• provide a predefined configuration template, wherein at least two separate devices of the machine can be assigned to the configuration template, wherein the configuration template is designed to configure at least one function of the industrial machine,
• to generate a parameter set with device parameters for the two separate devices from the configured function, whereby the device parameters are defined by means of a device parameter set of rules,
• to transfer the parameter set to the two separate devices in order to configure the devices.

Finally, the invention also relates to a system comprising at least one electronic configuration system of the type explained above and at least one industrial machine with at least two separate devices. The industrial machine uses the device parameters in operation, i.e. the device parameters influence the operation of the industrial machine.

The configuration system can, in particular automatically, recognize which devices are present in the industrial machine and / or which devices are coupled to the configuration system. Based on the existing devices, the configuration system can then activate usable configuration templates for the user.

The statements relating to the method according to the invention apply accordingly to the configuration system according to the invention and the system according to the invention. This applies in particular with regard to advantages and preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine industrielle Maschine mit mehreren separaten Geräten in einer schematischen Ansicht;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Zuordnung von Geräten zu drei Konfigurationsvorlagen;

Fig. 3

eine graphische Benutzeroberfläche zur Zuordnung von Geräten zu Konfigurationsvorlagen; und

Fig. 4

eine graphische Benutzeroberfläche zur Verwendung einer Konfigurationsvorlage, um eine Funktion der Maschine zu konfigurieren.

The invention is described below purely by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

an industrial machine with several separate devices in a schematic view;

Fig. 2

a schematic assignment of devices to three configuration templates;

Fig. 3

a graphical user interface for assigning devices to configuration templates; and

Fig. 4

a graphical user interface for using a configuration template to configure a function of the machine.

Fig. 1 shows an industrial machine 10. The machine 10 is used to process workpieces 12 which are transported on a conveyor belt 14.

The machine 10 includes several devices. As a first device, the machine 10 comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) 16. The PLC 16 is connected to other devices by means of a field bus 18. During operation, the PLC 16 sends instructions to the other devices via the fieldbus 18. In addition, the devices are configured with device parameters via the fieldbus 18, as will be explained below.

As a further device, the machine 10 includes a drill unit 20 which makes holes in the workpieces 12. Further devices of the machine 10 are a first laser scanner 22 and a second laser scanner 24. The drill unit 20 and the laser scanners 22, 24 are likewise connected to the PLC 16 by means of the field bus 18 coupled. The laser scanners 22, 24 monitor protective fields in the vicinity of the machine 10, so that the machine 10 can be stopped when, for example, a person approaches the drill unit 20.

To configure the machine 10, an electronic configuration system 26 can be connected to the machine 10 by means of the field bus 18, at least temporarily.

The configuration system 26 can provide various configuration templates 28, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 is shown schematically. Fig. 2 shows a first configuration template 28a, which is used to configure the workpiece machining. The configuration template 28a is accordingly assigned the drill unit 20 and part of the PLC 16. For example, those terminals and the sub-logic that are used to control the drill unit 20 can be assigned to the configuration template 28a by the PLC 16.

The first laser scanner 22 and the second laser scanner 24 can be assigned to a second configuration template 28b, so that the configuration template 28b is used to configure protective fields. The configuration template 28b is also assigned a part of the terminals PLC 16 and a sub-logic of the PLC 16, which are used for evaluating the signals from the laser scanners 22, 24.

Finally, the configuration system 26 can also provide a third configuration template 28c. The configuration template 28c is used to configure the interfaces of the devices to the fieldbus 18. The configuration template 28c allows the devices connected to the fieldbus 18 to be configured in such a way that the data communication required between the devices is permitted when the machine 10 is in operation.

It goes without saying that in Fig. 2 only representations, for example of the field bus 18 or the laser scanners 22, 24, are shown, not the real PLC 16 or the real laser scanners 22, 24.

In order to enable the assignment of the individual devices to the configuration templates 28, the configuration system 26 can provide a graphical user interface (GUI) 30 which is shown in Fig. 3 is shown. On the left-hand side of the GUI 30, various configuration templates 28 are shown which the user can select depending on the machine 10 to be configured.

Devices 32 that are not (yet) assigned are shown on the right-hand side of the GUI 30. In the middle area of the GUI 30 it is already shown that the user has selected the configuration template 28a which was originally shown in the left area of the GUI 30. The user has then assigned a part of the PLC 16 and the drill unit 20 to the configuration template 28a. The PLC 16 and the drill unit 20 were originally shown in the right part of the GUI 30. In addition, the user has assigned a different part of the PLC 16 and the laser scanners 22, 24 to the configuration template 28b. The configuration template 28c was assigned the PLC 16, the drill unit 20 and the laser scanners 22, 24, whereby of these devices only that part of the configuration template 28c that relates to the configuration of the fieldbus interface of the respective device was assigned.

The configuration templates 28a, 28b, 28c selected by the user can then be used by means of the GUI 30 in order to configure a function of the machine 10 in each case. This is exemplified in Fig. 4 is shown showing the configuration of the drilling function of the machine 10. The configuration template 28a is used accordingly there. A slide control 34, a rotary control 36 or drop-down menus 38 can be used in order to configure the drilling function of the machine 10. For example, by means of of the slide control 34, a permitted maximum drilling depth can be set. The drop-down menus 38 can then be used to configure which drilling tools may be used in the drill unit 20.

From the inputs of the user that configure the function of the machine, the configuration system 26 then generates a parameter set with device parameters with the aid of a device parameter set of rules. The device parameters then ensure during operation that the inputs of the user are implemented by the machine 10. The device parameters can e.g. ensure that the maximum drilling depth or a maximum number of revolutions of the drill unit 20 is observed. Each device parameter may only ever be specified by precisely one configuration template 28. The parameter set with the device parameters is then transmitted from the configuration system 26 via the fieldbus 18 (or alternatively e.g. by means of USB or memory card) to the machine and thus to all devices 16, 20, 22, 24 to be configured, and there then the devices 16, 20, 22, 24.

This creates the possibility for the user to carry out a clear and simple configuration of the industrial machine 10, the complexity being very low for the user since the actual generation of the device parameters is carried out by the configuration templates 28 and thus by the configuration system 26.

Reference list

10

machine

12th

workpiece

14th

Conveyor belt

16

PLC

18th

Fieldbus

20th

Drill unit

22nd

first laser scanner

24

second laser scanner

26th

Configuration system

28

Configuration template

30th

GUI

32

unassigned devices

34

Slider

36

Rotary control

38

Drop down menu

Claims (15)

Method for configuring at least one industrial machine (10), the machine (10) comprising several separate devices (16, 20, 22, 24), for example field devices, programmable logic controllers (PLC) and / or field buses,
using an electronic configuration system (26) - A predefined configuration template (28) is provided, the configuration template (28) being assigned at least two separate devices of the machine (10), - the configuration template (28) is used to configure at least one function of the industrial machine (10), - a parameter set with device parameters for the two separate devices (16, 20, 22, 24) is generated from the configured function, the configuration template (28) comprising a device parameter set of rules, the device parameters being defined by means of the device parameter set of rules, - The parameter set is transmitted to the two separate devices (16, 20, 22, 24) in order to configure the devices (16, 20, 22, 24). Method according to claim 1,
in which - several further predefined configuration templates (28) are provided, - The further configuration templates (28) are used to configure at least one further function of the industrial machine (10), - A further parameter set is generated from the configured further function. Method according to claim 2,
wherein a device parameter of a parameter set is only changed by means of exactly one configuration template (28). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein at least one of the configuration templates (28) comprises an assignment rule which specifies which devices (16, 20, 22, 24) may or must be assigned to the configuration template (28). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the configured function relates exclusively to a function of the functional safety of the industrial machine (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the device parameters are preferably generated exclusively on the basis of data entered into the configuration template (28). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein at least one of the configuration templates (28) only creates a partial set of parameters for a device assigned to it. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
instead of or in addition to an assigned device (16, 20, 22, 24) of the configuration template (28), a further configuration template (28) is assigned. Method according to one of Claims 2 to 8,
wherein a validity check of at least one of the configuration templates (28) is carried out, in which this configuration template (28) is then regarded as valid if all the requirements of further configuration templates (28) are met. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the parameter set with device parameters is transmitted to the devices (16, 20, 22, 24) by means of a network connection (18) or by means of USB. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein all parameters of the devices (16, 20, 22, 24) of the machine (10) are determined by means of the configuration template or the configuration templates. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the configuration template (28) is displayed in a graphic user interface (GUI) and comprises input fields or graphic input elements (34-38) in order to configure the at least one function of the industrial machine (10). Method according to one of Claims 2 to 12,
after the functions of the machine (10) have been configured in the configuration templates (28) and after the corresponding parameter sets have been generated, the generated parameter sets are verified. Electronic configuration system (26) for configuring at least one industrial machine (10), the machine (10) having several separate devices (16, 20, 22, 24), for example field devices, programmable in memory Controls (PLC) and / or field buses, includes,
wherein the configuration system (26) is designed, - to provide a predefined configuration template (28), wherein at least two separate devices of the machine (10) can be assigned to the configuration template (28), the configuration template (28) being designed to configure at least one function of the industrial machine (10), - To generate a parameter set with device parameters for the two separate devices (16, 20, 22, 24) from the configured function, the device parameters being defined by means of a device parameter set of rules, - To transmit the parameter set to the two separate devices (16, 20, 22, 24) in order to configure the devices (16, 20, 22, 24). System comprising at least one electronic configuration system according to claim 14 and at least one industrial machine (10) with at least two separate devices (16, 20, 22, 24).

Images